Contemplative Outreach of Wichita
Silence, Solitude, Solidarity, Service

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

The intent of Contemplative Outreach is to foster the process of transformation in Christ in one another through the practice of Centering Prayer.

The members of Contemplative Outreach of Greater Wichita, Kansas seek the living tradition of the contemplative Christian heritage through the teachings of Fr. Thomas Keating and others. We offer and recommend prayer groups, retreats and events that support the contemplative life in the midst of ordinary life.

Contemplative Tradition
Centering Prayer is based on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matt: 6:6): "...But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you."   

It is also inspired by writings of major contributors to the Christian contemplative heritage including the Desert Fathers and Mothers, John Cassian, Francis de Sales, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux and Thomas Merton.   

The method is taken from the 14th Century book, The Cloud of Unknowing, written by an anonymous Carthusian monk.



Fr. Thomas Keating

March 7, 1923 - October 25, 2018

To the worldwide community of Contemplative Outreach,

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our beloved teacher and spiritual father, Thomas Keating. Fr. Thomas offered his final letting go of the body on October 25, 2018 at 10:07pm at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. He modeled for us the incredible riches and humility borne of a divine relationship that is not only possible but is already the fact in every human being.  Such was his teaching, such was his life. He now shines his light from the heights and the depths of the heart of the Trinity.

Within the last decade of his life, Fr. Thomas said, “I am at the point where I do not want to do anything except God's will, and that may be nothing. But nothing is one of the greatest activities there is. It also takes a surprising amount of time! What time is left each day is an opportunity for God to take over my life more completely on every level and in every detail.” (God is Love: The Heart of All Creation).

Let us open ourselves more than ever to the indwelling presence of the Trinity as we deepen our unity in prayer and service. Let us continue to persevere in our consent to the presence and action of God within us and among us and allow the inspiration and the breath of God to move us and guide us as we seek to embody and pass on the gifts we have been so privileged to receive.  

With deep gratitude and hearts broken open,

The staff and governing board of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd



Resources: Learn the Prayer of Silence



Where to Pray
  • Mondays, 9:30-11:00 am: Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina, optional sharing and inspirational video at the Spiritual Life Center, 7100 E 45th St N, Bel Aire, KS. Contact the Center here, 316-744-0167, or contact Mary Seitz: 316-253-8296.

  • Mondays, 12:00-1:00 pm: 20 minutes of Centering Prayer, enrichment and optional sharing time. Meets in the Agape Center in the Richert House at Bethel College, 300 27th St., North Newton. Agape is located on the south edge of the campus between Bethel College Mennonite Church and the Fine Arts Center. Contact Nathan Koontz, 620-662-9385.

  • 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:00 pm: Centering Prayer, sharing, and enrichment with a DVD by Fr. William Meninger or Fr. Thomas Keating, both from St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, CO. At The Wichita Center (Adorers of the Blood of Christ Convent), 1165 SW Blvd., Wichita. Contact Shirley Bessette: 316-806-4068.


Links








Contemplative Outreach Wichita


News? Suggestions? Trouble with this site? Contact our Online Editor.